Princeton commissioners debate housing and workforce affordability, but take no formal action

Commissioner Borton opened a discussion Jan. 5 about local housing challenges, citing a backlog of applicants for senior housing and rising costs that prevent many residents from finding affordable options in Princeton. Board members, local builders and guests discussed multiple barriers: construction and material costs, labor shortages, the need for subsidy or tax credits to make workforce housing financially viable, watershed/zoning constraints on dense development, and community resistance to certain project presentations.

Speakers noted that workforce housing projects commonly rely on federal or state incentives — for example, historic tax credits, low-income housing tax credits or other subsidy programs — and that the town’s ability to incentivize projects is limited without larger funding partners or developers willing to carry initial risk. One participant observed that starter homes and small-footprint housing models are more expensive per square foot than in previous decades, and another said the average age of first-time homebuyers has risen to about 40, reflecting national trends.

The board discussed whether to convene builders for an informational session; some commissioners supported outreach to the building community to explore practical steps and potential incentives, while others cautioned that meaningful change will require external funding streams. No formal motion or commitment of funds was made; commissioners agreed to keep the issue under review.